Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse is a classical point & click adventure game that takes players back to the style of the first two games in the series. The game features a return to 2D graphics with higher resolution and character modeling. Players navigate through the game using an intelligent mouse cursor, allowing for item inspection and interaction with a simple click mechanism.

Puzzles in Broken Sword 5 revolve around collecting and utilizing items to solve challenges, with occasional logic puzzles for added variety. Engaging in conversations with various characters, including familiar faces from previous installments, adds depth to the gameplay. Players control both George and Nico throughout the game, ensuring a diverse experience. A helpful hint system is available to assist players when needed.